Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak says it is a common principle in Asia to disallow foreign powers to meddle in local politics.

Najib said this principle was underpined by various important international organisations, such as the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the Non-Aligned Movement, Asean and others.

“This (mutual non-interference) principle is respected across Asia, and one close to the hearts of the many countries that suffered colonial conquest and rule in the past.

“It must be upheld today, and if any of our citizens call for foreign powers to intervene in our own affairs, they are not patriots. They are in fact betraying their people.

“Begging outsiders to overthrow the mandate of the people is not the action of patriots,” he told some 300 delegates from political parties across Asia at the ICAPP session at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Without naming names, Najib slammed those who criticised him and claimed they do not represent the will of Malaysians.

“Being a democracy we treasure the result of the ballot box - not the views of individuals, however famous - as the only legitimate expression of the people's will,” he said.

Najib is currently facing calls to step down as prime minister, from former Umno leaders such as Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Muhyiddin Yassin and Muhkriz Mahathir - all of whom have either quit the party or have been sacked from it.

They have made allegations against Najib over the management of 1MDB but the premier had denied wrongdoing or taking public funds for personal gain.